Blank for packaging

ABSTRACT

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for packaging, the blank comprising a first network of polygonal units, wherein sides of the polygonal units are partially formed by cuts through the blank, and wherein one end of each side of each polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit is connected to a different polygonal unit.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a blank for packaging.

Further, the present invention relates to a packaging product.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a blank for packaging.

BACKGROUND

It is very common to position a product in a container, for example in a box of cardboard. Products are typically positioned in such a box for storing and/or transporting of the product. In some cases, it is required to position the product in the box at a defined location, for example in order to avoid motions of the product within the box for safety reasons. In other cases, it is required to position the product in the box at a defined location in order to present the product in a neat way when the box is opened, for example in case that the product in the box is a present.

Several support structures or inlets are known which may be inserted into a container in order to serve as a bedding or support for an object or product. For example, document U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,537 B2 discloses a stereoscopic inner spacer composed of paper materials. The stereoscopic inner spacer is formed by buckling and folding. The stereoscopic inner spacer may be put in a packaging carton to provide separating compartments to support and hold objects in the packaging carton, thereby preventing the objects from damage caused by impacts and prevent the objects from damage resulting from mutual collisions.

Document US 2015/0008147 A1 further discloses a packaging box which includes a box and a support received in the box. The support includes a top blank, a bottom blank opposite to the top blank, and a side blank interconnecting the top blank and the bottom blank. The top blank defines a hole and forms four limiting blanks connecting to the top blank and resisting against the bottom blank. The limiting blanks and the bottom blank cooperatively form a receiving chamber.

In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to provide a blank for a packaging product, wherein an object can be supported and held by the blank when the blank is put into a container. Some specific embodiments of the present invention should additionally prevent the object from moving within the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for packaging, the blank comprising a first network of polygonal units, wherein sides of the polygonal units are partially formed by cuts through the blank, and wherein one end of each side of each polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit is connected to a different polygonal unit.

Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

-   -   the sides of the polygonal units are partially formed by cuts         through the blank and partially by material of the blank     -   the blank further comprises outer polygonal units     -   one side of each outer polygonal unit is completely formed by         material of the blank     -   at least one side of the other sides of each outer polygonal         unit is partially formed by cuts through the blank and partially         by material of the blank     -   at least one of the other sides of each outer polygonal unit is         connected to an adjacent end of a side of a polygonal unit     -   the outer polygonal units are connected to a frame     -   the first network of polygonal units is coupled to the frame via         the outer polygonal units     -   the first network of polygonal units, the outer polygonal units         and the frame are made from the same material     -   the outer polygonal units form a perimeter of the first network         of polygonal units     -   a footprint of each polygonal unit is triangular, rectangular,         hexagonal or octagonal     -   the blank is made of cardboard, paperboard, paper or plastic         material     -   the blank is a multilayer cardboard material     -   the first network of polygonal units is configured to serve as a         bedding or support for a product     -   the blank further comprises a folding line, the first network of         polygonal units on a first side of the folding line, and a         second network of polygonal units on an opposite second side of         the folding line     -   the blank is configured to be folded about the folding line such         that the first network of polygonal units and the second network         of polygonal units are congruent with each other     -   at least one of the first network of polygonal units and the         second network of polygonal units is configured to at least         partially move out of a two-dimensional plane when a product is         placed on the first network of polygonal units     -   the first network of polygonal units and the second network of         polygonal units are configured to serve as a bedding for a         product to be positioned between the first network of polygonal         units and the second network of polygonal units     -   the blank is configured to be inserted into a container     -   the blank comprises at least one foldable flap     -   the blank is corrugated cardboard with a thickness in the range         between 0.5 mm to 20 mm     -   the blank is made of a foldable material, such as corrugated         cardboard or paperboard or cardboard     -   the blank is an integral part of a container     -   the blank is capable of being folded into a container

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging product comprising a container and a blank according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the blank is inserted into the container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a blank, the method comprising providing a substrate, and forming of a first network of polygonal units by providing sides of the polygonal units partially formed by cuts through the substrate, and wherein one end of each side of each polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit is connected to a different polygonal unit.

Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

-   -   partially forming of sides of the polygonal units by cuts         through the substrate and partially forming of sides of the         polygonal units partially by material of the substrate     -   providing outer polygonal units     -   providing one side of each outer polygonal unit completely         formed by material of the substrate     -   partially forming at least one side of the other sides of each         outer polygonal unit by cuts through the substrate and partially         forming at least one side of the other sides of each outer         polygonal unit by material of the substrate     -   providing at least one of the other sides of each outer         polygonal unit connected to an adjacent end of a side of a         polygonal unit     -   providing the outer polygonal units connected to a frame     -   providing the first network of polygonal units coupled to the         frame via the outer polygonal units     -   making the first network of polygonal units, the outer polygonal         units and the frame from the same material     -   providing the outer polygonal units such that they form a         perimeter of the first network of polygonal units     -   providing a footprint of each polygonal unit in triangular form     -   making the substrate of cardboard, paperboard, paper or plastic         material     -   making the cuts through the material of the substrate by         punching     -   the method further comprises at least one feature corresponding         to a feature laid out in connection with the bulleted list of         the first aspect of the present invention

Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the present invention. A blank for a packaging product, a packaging product and a method of manufacturing a blank for a packaging product are provided. The blank can be used for providing a bedding or support for an object or product. An object or product can be placed on a surface of a network of polygonal units of the blank. The blank is typically designed to be put into a container such as a box of cardboard.

The network of polygonal units may further serve as a damper according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. According to certain other embodiments of the present invention, an object or product may be positioned between a first network of polygonal units and a second network of polygonal units in order to prevent the object or product from moving within the container. One blank or more than one blank may be positioned in a single container.

The present invention improves safety of a product to be stored and/or transported within a packaging. The need of the use of bubble wrap or other similar packaging material can be eliminated by means of the present invention. In particular, when the product is embedded between a first network of polygonal units and a second network of polygonal units, damaging of the product can be prevented due to the structure of the stretchable networks of polygonal units. The pattern of the polygonal units allows convex bending or stretching of the networks while simultaneously retaining at least a part of its rigidness.

The surface of the networks of polygonal units further conforms to the shape of the product and keeps the product in place in a neat way.

The present invention can be used to pack various types of products. Customization of the dimensions of the foldable blank is not necessarily required. However, networks of different length, width as well as size and shape of the polygonal units may be manufactured depending on the products to be packed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic top view of a blank for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top view of another blank for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic side view of a further blank for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a product is positioned on the blank, and

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic top view of details of an even further blank for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 a schematic top view of a blank 1 for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The blank 1 comprises a first network 11 of polygonal units 2. Sides of the polygonal units 2 are partially formed by cuts 3 through the blank 1. One end 4 of each side of each polygonal unit 2 is further connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit 2 is connected to a different polygonal unit. The sides of the polygonal units 2 are partially formed by cuts through the blank 1 and partially by material of the blank 1.

The cuts 3 through the blank 1, which cuts 3 partially form the sides of the polygonal units 2, may have a length of 1-5 cm, for instance. The length of the remaining part of each side of the polygonal units 2, i.e. the part formed by material of the blank 1, may have a length of 1-5 mm, for instance. In other words, the length of the cuts 3 through the blank 1 is substantially greater than the length of the remaining part of the sides of the polygonal units 2. The ratio may be, for example, 20:1, 10:1 or 5:1.

The blank 1 further comprises outer polygonal units 5. The outer polygonal units 5 form a perimeter of the first network 11 of polygonal units 2. In other words, the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 is surrounded by outer polygonal units 5. The outer polygonal units 5 couple the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 to solid material of the blank. Solid material of the blank means that there are no cuts forming polygonal units present in the material. The solid material of the blank provides a so-called frame 8 for the first network 11 of polygonal units 2. The frame 8 and the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 are connected to each other via the outer polygonal units 5. One side of each outer polygonal unit 5 is completely formed by material of the blank 1, i.e. there is no cut present in the respective side of the outer polygonal unit 5. At least one side of the other sides of each outer polygonal unit 5 is further partially formed by cuts 3 through the blank 1 and partially by material of the blank 1. Outer polygonal units 5, which are arranged at one of the four corners, typically only have one side of a respective polygonal unit 5 formed partially by a cut 3 through the blank 1 and partially by material of the blank 1, for instance. Other outer polygonal units 5 may have two sides of a respective polygonal unit 5 which are formed partially by cuts 3 through the blank 1 and partially by material of the blank 1, for instance. Each outer polygonal unit 5 is typically connected at at least one side of each outer polygonal unit 5 to an adjacent end of a side of a polygonal unit 2 of the first network 11 of polygonal units 2. The first network 11 of polygonal units 2, the outer polygonal units 5 and the frame 8 are typically made from the same material. Normally, the blank 1 is made at least partially of cardboard, paperboard, paper or plastic material.

Typically, a footprint of each polygonal unit 2 is triangular. However, the footprint of each polygonal unit 2 may also be rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal, for instance. In case that the footprint of each polygonal unit 2 is triangular, also the footprint of each outer polygonal unit 5 is triangular. In other cases, the footprint of each outer polygonal unit 5 is rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal, respectively.

The first network 11 of polygonal units 2 is configured to serve as a bedding or support for an object or a product. When a product is placed on top of the first network 11 of polygonal units 2, the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 can change its form at least locally from a substantially planar or planar form to a three-dimensional form due to the structure of the first network 11 of polygonal units 2. In other words, at least some of the polygonal units 2 of the network of polygonal units 2 can move into a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the blank 1 as no force is exerted on the surface 9 of the polygonal units 2. The force is typically exerted by the mass of the product to be positioned on the first network 11 of polygonal units 2. Within the first network of polygonal units 2 the blank is flexible or stretchable due to the structure of the pattern of polygonal units 2. This is further illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 3.

The grammage (surface weight) of the blank is typically greater than 50 g/m², for example in the range between 100 g/m² to 400 g/m². The blank may comprise one layer or more than one layer. Typically, the blank is a multilayer cardboard material. The thickness of the blank may be in the range between 0.5 mm to 10 mm, for instance. Typically, the blank is made of corrugated cardboard.

In FIG. 2 a schematic top view of another blank 1 for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The features described above in connection with FIG. 1 may also be present in the shown embodiment. In FIG. 2, a first network 11 of polygonal units 2 is shown on a first side 7 of a folding line 6 comprised by the blank 1. Further, a second network 12 of polygonal units 2 is shown on a second opposite side of the folding line 6. The first network 11 of polygonal units 2 and the second network 12 of polygonal units 2 may be, for example, identical. The first network 11 of polygonal units 2 and the second network 12 of polygonal units 2 are both connected to a frame 8 via outer polygonal units 5 as described above in connection with the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 shown in FIG. 1.

The blank 1 is configured to be folded about the folding line 6 such that the first network 11 and the second network 12 are congruent with each other. In other words, the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 and the second network 12 of polygonal units 2 can be aligned with each other by folding the blank 1 about the folding line 6. Thus, at least one of the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 and the second network 12 of polygonal units 2, typically both networks 11, 12 of polygonal units 2, is/are configured to at least partially (locally) move out of a two-dimensional plane when a product is placed on the first network 11 of polygonal units 2.

The product may be placed on both networks 11, 12 of polygonal units 2, for example in case that the mass of the product is relatively high, or the product may be placed between the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 and the second network 12 of polygonal units 2. In the latter case, the product is embedded between the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 and the second network 12 of polygonal units 2. Thus, only relatively small motions of the product can take place as the folded blank 1 together with the embedded product is inserted into a container and the container is being transported. Thus, the need of the use of bubble wrap or other similar packaging material can be eliminated.

The blank 1 may further comprise at least one foldable flap 7. Typically, the blank comprises several foldable flaps 7. The flaps 7 are typically arranged circumferentially around the blank 1. The foldable flaps 7 ensure that the blank 1 can be arranged within the container at a defined position, for example in the middle of the container or at any other defined distance from the bottom or from the cover of the container. In some cases, more than one blank 1 is comprised by a packaging product. Several blanks 1 may be, for example, arranged within a container. The at least one blank 1 is typically inserted into the container. However, the at least one blank may also be an integral part of the structure of the container. In other words, the blank 1 may be provided in such a shape that a container may be formed from the blank 1. For example, additional panels may project from at least some of the flaps 7 in such a way that a first half of the container is formed by the blank 1 on one side of the folding line 6 and a second half is formed by the blank 1 on the other side of the folding line 6. The halves of the container are the connected to each other via the folding line 6.

In FIG. 3 a schematic side view of a further blank 1 for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein a product 10 is positioned on the blank 1. It can be seen that a part of the blank 1 has changed its form from a substantially planar form to another form due to the mass of a product 10 placed on a surface 9 of the first network 11 of polygonal units. This can be achieved due to the above described structure of the first network 11 of polygonal units. When the product is placed on top of the first network 11 of polygonal units, the first network 11 of polygonal units changes its form at least locally from a substantially planar or planar form to a three-dimensional form. At least some of the polygonal units of the first network 11 of polygonal units move into a direction as indicated by arrow A.

Consequently, the first network 11 of polygonal units 2 serves as a bedding or support for the product 10. Additionally, the first network 11 of polygonal units may serve as some sort of damper in case that the product moves during transportation into alternating directions as indicated by arrow B, for example caused by vibrations.

In FIG. 4 a schematic top view of details of an even further blank 1 for packaging in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The first network 11 of polygonal units 2 is shown enlarged. Sides of the polygonal units 2 are partially formed by cuts 3 through the blank 1. One end 4 of each side of each polygonal unit 2 is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit 2 is connected to a different polygonal unit. The first network 11 of polygonal units 2 is coupled to outer polygonal units 5. In one side of each outer polygonal unit 5 there is no cut at all. The defined cuts 3 forming a pattern may be, for example, made by punching of a negative form through the material of the blank. Thus, all cuts 3 can be made simultaneously. The negative form may be, for example, made of metal.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in packaging.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 blank -   2 polygonal unit -   3 cut -   4 end -   5 outer polygonal unit -   6 folding line -   7 flap -   8 frame -   9 surface -   10 product -   11 first network -   12 second network

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,537 B2 -   US 2015/0008147 A1 

1. A blank for packaging, the blank comprising a first network of polygonal units, wherein sides of the polygonal units are partially formed by cuts through the blank, and wherein one end of each side of each polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit is connected to a different polygonal unit.
 2. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the sides of the polygonal units are partially formed by cuts through the blank and partially by material of the blank.
 3. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank further comprises outer polygonal units.
 4. The blank according to claim 3, wherein one side of each outer polygonal unit is completely formed by material of the blank.
 5. The blank according to claim 4, wherein at least one side of the other sides of each outer polygonal unit is partially formed by cuts through the blank and partially by material of the blank.
 6. The blank according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the other sides of each outer polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of a polygonal unit.
 7. The blank according to claim 3, wherein the outer polygonal units are connected to a frame.
 8. The blank according to claim 7, wherein the first network of polygonal units is coupled to the frame via the outer polygonal units.
 9. The blank according to claim 7, wherein the first network of polygonal units, the outer polygonal units and the frame are made from the same material.
 10. The blank according to claim 3, wherein the outer polygonal units form a perimeter of the first network of polygonal units.
 11. The blank according to claim 1, wherein a footprint of each polygonal unit (2) is triangular.
 12. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank is made of card board, paper or plastic material.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank further comprises: a folding line, the first network of polygonal units on a first side of the folding line, and a second network of polygonal units on an opposite second side of the folding line.
 15. The blank according to claim 14, wherein the blank is configured to be folded about the folding line such that the first network of polygonal units and the second network of polygonal units are congruent with each other.
 16. The blank according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the first network of polygonal units and the second network of polygonal units is configured to at least partially move out of a two-dimensional plane when a product is placed on the first network of polygonal units.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank is configured to be inserted into a container.
 19. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank is an integral part of a container.
 20. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank is capable of being folded into a container.
 21. (canceled)
 22. A packaging product comprising a container and a blank for packaging, the blank comprising a first network of polygonal units, wherein sides of the polygonal units are partially formed by cuts through the blank, and wherein one end of each side of each polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit is connected to a different polygonal unit, and wherein the blank is inserted into the container.
 23. A method of manufacturing a blank for packaging, the method comprising: providing a substrate, and forming of a first network of polygonal units by providing sides of the polygonal units partially formed by cuts through the substrate, and wherein one end of each side of each polygonal unit is connected to an adjacent end of a side of another polygonal unit such that each side of each polygonal unit is connected to a different polygonal unit. 